A rough night, and the peace of God

You know how things happen to us that we can normally just blow off and its not big deal and we don’t think another thing about it? And then sometimes, its like it just keeps happening and things keep piling up so much that you just have to break. Well last night was one of those days.

Yesterday morning’s church service was really good, I could feel the Holy Spirit moving and speaking through Tim as he shared about what it means to be the body of Christ. The church singing in harmony and clapping and raising hands in worship was so beautiful. Its so neat to see people on the other side of the world worshiping the same God!

We then went to town to run errands, pick up supplies, and check on prices for a propane tank and burner to cook with.  And even found a cheap place that sells yummy pizza! Yay! Familiar food!

Before coming back to Kenya, I already knew what to expect somewhat culturally. People here think that most white people that they see in town are here for safari or as tourist and are loaded with money, so when they see us, they usually double up on prices. Everywhere we go, everyone says MZUNGU (White person!!!)!!! And a lot of people demand money from us or some specific items. In the fresh market, people pull you to their stand because that want you to buy their product (of course for the doubled price.). I often hear chatters everywhere we go, and only can pick up a few words, but we hear mzungu and know they are talking about us. People don’t hesitate to ask you for something or to tell you what to do.

Sometimes it just gets frustrating when we know we can get items for a certain price, and we are trying to help, and all they want to do is take advantage of us. It doesn’t matter if we tell them that we are not rich, or that we are trying to help an orphanage, they don’t care, all they see us for is money. It almost make us feel invisible. If they could give us the normal price, or even better, the discounted price, the little money we have could go much farther to help these kids, so it just gets frustrating. Willis tries his very hardest to negotiate for us, but once they see the whites, it makes it hard. So unless we have made friends with the people, or Willis is close friends with the people, then we end up hiding until Willis agrees on a price with the people.

I’ve heard from Missionary friends and starting to learn for myself that we just have to learn who we can really trust and who also wants to serve the Lord and to help others, and connect with those people. Many piki piki (motorcycle) drivers try to upcharge us, but we explain to them that we aren’t so dumb and this is what we pay, take it or leave it. It works about half the time. Haha. But I have made one piki piki friend, Walter, that I was able to witness to and answer some of his questions on a long ride home, and so when I need a piki, I call him! He only charges the regular price and he drives carefully, slowly, and on the smooth path because he “knows we are not used to these type of roads and he likes to be known for making his customers happy!” YAY! I feel like a real person with him and not the white rich man. He told me if I ever needed a ride, or got stranded without money, he would come rescue us. Why can’t more people be like that here! We just gotta find them!

So what caused my breakdown last night? The long negotiating in town, hearing people talk and laugh at us all day, people trying to make us buy their items and upcharging, people flat out lying to our faces thinking we are clueless about prices, a drunk man hitting on me and refused to get out of my face, and a piki piki that rode the road like a mad man, hitting every bump and pot hole, flying on a rocky dirt road, while I tried to hold on for my dear life, praying for God to protect me and especially the baby. I was so worried about all the shaking for the baby. We got home and the tears finally broke loose and I lost it.

I felt so bad for Willis, I tried so hard to hold it back, but they just came, and he felt so bad and kept apologizing. I love Willis and his wife Maureen. They have always been so kind and welcoming and have really helped with making the adjustment of being here long term. And of course the kids. I had to give them medicine last night (I think I’m treating 8 at the time), so I called them into the house, and all I can do around them is smile. I just love them to the moon and back. So with the peace of God raining down through United Hope and into my heart, it made everything better, and it makes it worth it somehow.

Its worth the sweat, tears, hard work, rough living, hurtful comments, and unfair negotiating.

We love these kids and Willis’ family. And we know this is where God wants us to be.

Thank you God for your presence, comfort, peace, and encouragement to stick with it.

Romans 12: 1-3, 9-21


9 thoughts on “A rough night, and the peace of God

  1. Jinni; the devil wants you to give up, remember Job, he tried everything with him, but ;Job didn’t give up. Don’t fill alone, we’re all backing you over here. God is well pleased with you and Tim. Love you, Paul

  2. Loura Thompson

    My dear baby girl… I prayed for you so much throughout the night and this morning. I am so glad you found peace. I knew God would bring you to that place. You are in His will and where you are to be. Times will be hard, but He will always hold you near and fill you with peace, again and again. Drink deeply of those moments and hold them in your heart… the grateful smile of a child you’ve touched… the tender moment of a hug… bring them back when you need to recall them. God is so good. He loves you so much. I do too!!

  3. Lori

    I know it is hard but you know it is for Gods glory, and He put these people in ur path. maybe these are who He wants you to witness to. Imagine if next year, these people get saved because u were so kind to them and showed them the love of JESUS?? He knows what you haves to pay, and he knows how much you haven’t. I am praying for you and Tim. I am sglad you are bloggingo I know that God is listening, and pray fir His comfort for you
    I elves you three. hang in there! 🙂

  4. Jerrianne

    Jenni, I though about you all day yesterday. I wish I had the money to come there to help. I have never felt the urge at all until yesterday and it was a consumng one. I just want to be able to help you. I know you must be ohysicall and emotionally exhausted. I will do what I can here. Is there anything thatyou need from the states tha I can send. I’m so sorry you had a breakdown. Wish I could have been ther to give yo a hug and tell you it was going to ne all right. I love you.

  5. Larry Duke

    Keep your faith up for the Lord knows what’s best.He will provide all your needs.For you will finish his work he has praised you with and all will be blessed with His power and love. God bless you, Jenn and Tim.

  6. Paula Gentry

    Jenni and Tim your blog bought tears to my eyes…Remember God is our Jehovah-Jirah, Rapha, Nissi, Shalom and Shammah …provider, healer, banner, peace and present…Nothing is impossible with our God…He hears our cry and knows are desires….He is going to make your enemies be at peace with you and Tim…I am praying

  7. Lori

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, joys, disappointments, and fears about the work you are doing. It is certainly not an easy task, but I can only imagine the fulfillment you must often feel and the joy it must bring you to know that in following God’s will for your lives that you are bringing joy and meaning to many people. Your work and your example WILL make a difference! You two are an inspiration! May God continue to bless you richly!

  8. Mechelle McCampbell

    Many prayers are going up in your behalf. Your testimony and faithfulness are a great witness to the power of God.

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